John R. Hughes MD

John Hughes was born December 19, 1928 in Dubois, Pennsylvania. He graduated summa cum laude from Franklin and Marshall College in 1950. He went on to receive B.A. and M.A. degrees from Exeter College, Oxford in 1952 and 1955. He also received a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1954.

His first work after this education was at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland from 1954 to 1957. There, he performed research as a Neurophysiologist and Electroencephalographer. After 7 years as chief of Electroencephalography and Neurophysiology in Buffalo, New York he moved to Chicago with his wife and son, Christopher. He purchased a house in Evanston which was his home until his passing.

John spent 14 years working as a professor of Neurology and researcher at Northwestern University. His final career move was to take a position at the University of Illinois in 1977 where he continued to work as a professor until the age of 89.

During his professional life Dr. Hughes published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles as well as multiple books. In addition to the definitive introduction textbook for the interpretation of electroencephalography, he also published a book entitled, “JFK and Sam: The Connection Between The Giancana and Kennedy Assassinations”.

Beyond his professional career John Hughes enjoyed travel and visited many international destinations. He was a fan of opera and supported Chicago opera for decades. After more than 60 years of marriage, when asked about parenting he said that his primary goal as a father was to have his children grow up to be good citizens and an asset to their community. During the last 6 months of his life he often expressed frustration over his physical deterioration but also appreciation for the opportunities he had been given growing up and living in the United States during the 20th century.

John passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022 after being hospitalized with pneumonia. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann and his three children Christopher, Thomas and Cheryl. A memorial service will be held at Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Avenue, Wilmette, IL on March 20 from 1pm - 4pm. Memorial donations may be made in John's name to The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, www.anticruelty.org.